This year in CBBC, it is like we are going on a journey where the Holy Spirit is the map reader and guide. This journey started at the beginning of the year with the scripture from Psalm 51 which says, Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right Spirit within me.
This scripture we have prayed and preached on and sent us out with the words ringing in our ears after every Sunday service. There has been a sense of preparation in what we have been doing for the last 4 months. The words from Joshua have been replaying in my head. Joshua spoke to the people of God before they began their journey into the land that God has promised to give to them and Joshua said to the people ‘consecrate yourself, purify yourself, make yourself spiritually clean, and spiritually prepared, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.’
That’s what we have been doing as a church since the beginning of the year. As I’ve said, the Holy Spirit is map reading and it seems the map is folded, and we can only see one bit at a time. Recently, the Lord unfolded the next part of the map through Rob Jacobs, who woke up in the middle of the night with the word ‘Regeneration’ and the scripture 1 Peter 1:3-4.
Regeneration is a theological term; it is part of the order of salvation. It means born again. Regeneration is what happens when you are baptised: you go into the water to symbolise dying with Christ and you are bought to life again when you come out of the water just as Jesus was resurrected from the dead and you are reborn. 1 Peter 1:3-4 encapsulate the hope we have because we are ‘born again’.
It says,
Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish spoil or fade.
Being born again gives us a great deal to celebrate; that’s why Peter starts by praising God. Being born again ensures we have a future that is full of ‘living hope’. Being born again entitles us to live in the blessings and assurance of our inheritance; an inheritance that we get a foretaste of here and now but which we will fully receive when Jesus Christ returns in glory.
The journey before us invites us to discover the living hope and blessings of our inheritance in Jesus. It reminds me of holidays where Daniel and I have chosen to take the scenic route, simply to enjoy the ride. Holy Spirit is map reading and is taking us on the scenic route, to reveal to us the height and depth that our faith covers. I am anticipating breath taking discoveries for us to experience on this next stage of our journey.
Blessings,
Julie